Anglers spent $438 million in Idaho in 2003, survey says

Sport fishing in Idaho generates hundreds of millions of dollars in spending every year, according to a survey by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

The survey shows that in 2003, anglers spent $438 million while fishing in Idaho. That means the state’s 400,800 anglers each spent an average of $1,100 in 2003, or $112 per day, while averaging nearly 10 days of fishing.

Statesman staff

http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040709/IDOUT/407090315

"Sport fishing in the state is a tremendous economic engine," said fisheries chief Virgil Moore, who presented the survey’s findings Thursday at the Idaho Fish and Game Commission’s regular meeting in St. Maries. "Most of us fish because it’s just fun, but in the process of having fun we spend money, and that is important to our local economies; and perhaps more important than anything, the rural economies of this state."

The department sent out 48,000 surveys to people randomly selected from the list of those who had purchased fishing licenses, according to Fred Partridge, resident fisheries coordinator with F&G. It asked anglers where they fished, how much they spent and how often they fished. More than 12,000 responded.

Partridge estimates the report cost the department about $120,000, most of which was spent on mailing and data entry.

The $438 million breaks down as follows:

• $148.3 million spent at restaurants and on groceries.

• $91.2 million for transportation,

• $60 million for equipment (boats, camping, etc.).

• $61.9 million for fishing tackle.

• $45 million on hotels and campgrounds.

• $31.5 million on outfitters and guides.

Here’s a regional breakdown:

Region 1 — The Panhandle

• 488,000 fishing trips.

• $52 million spent by anglers.

Region 2 — The Clearwater

• 470,000 fishing trips.

• $87 million spent by anglers.

Region 3 — Southwest

• 668,000 fishing trips.

• $74 million spent by anglers.

Region 4 — Magic Valley

• 383,000 fishing trips.

• $42 million spent by anglers.

Region 5 — Southeast Region

• 206,000 fishing trips.

• $16 million spent by anglers.

Region 6 — Upper Snake

• 358,000 fishing trips.

• $77 million spent by anglers.

Region 7 — Salmon

• 189,000 fishing trips.

• $56 million spent by anglers.